Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, working with other security agencies, have announced successful operations in dismantling of illegal refining sites, arrests of suspected oil thieves, and recovery of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta.
A statement from Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, on Saturday detailed the achievements made between December 16 and 22, 2024.
These include the confiscation of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil, and Dual Purpose Kerosene.
Troops destroyed 37 illegal refining sites, including nine at Obiafu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. They seized 176 cooking drums, pumping machines, and over 60,000 litres of stolen oil. Four suspects were arrested at the scene.
In Asari-Toru LGA, three illegal refining sites and a large boat were dismantled, leading to the recovery of 24,000 litres of stolen products. In Degema LGA, three boats carrying more than 16,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products were intercepted.
Operations in Ozorchi Forest in Abua/Odual LGA and along the Imo River resulted in the destruction of more illegal refining equipment and recovery of 15,000 litres of stolen oil. In Bayelsa State, troops disrupted attempts to vandalize pipelines. At Kunsho Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA, they recovered 2,000 litres of stolen crude. An attempt to compromise a Shell Petroleum Development Company pipeline in Ekeremor LGA was also foiled.
In Delta State, a tanker truck fitted with a concealed hose to siphon crude oil from a pipeline was intercepted at Obiukwole Community in Ethiope East LGA. Four suspected oil thieves were arrested.
In Akwa Ibom State, patrols were maintained across waterways and hinterlands to prevent criminal activities.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, praised the troops for their dedication and urged them to remain vigilant. He assured the public that the military is determined to deny criminals any stronghold in the Niger Delta.
